Predator Pleads Guilty to Heinous Child Sex Crimes, Receives Lengthy Sentence in Newton County

Brandon Jamal Keitt pleaded guilty on Tuesday, April 15th, to a litany of charges including Rape, Aggravated Child Molestation, Aggravated Sexual Battery, Child Molestation, and Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes. The guilty plea came after a jury was selected late Monday and following the State’s opening statement.

Keitt was sentenced to 26 years in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by a lifetime of probation. Upon his release, he will be required to register as a sex offender. The State consulted with the victim and her family prior to the plea, and they were in agreement with the case’s resolution and the imposed sentence. The victim, along with law enforcement officials and potential witnesses, were present in court when Keitt admitted under oath to committing the crimes.

The investigation into the case began after the victim and her mother sought help at the Piedmont Newton Hospital emergency room. The Covington Police Department spearheaded the investigation, with crucial assistance from the District Attorney’s Office and the GBI Crime Lab.

District Attorney Randy McGinley commended the collaborative effort of the prosecution team, including Assistant District Attorney Madison Caito, Chief Investigator Kelly Whire, Victim Advocate Gabby Arredondo, Trial Assistant Ellen Bales, and Senior Legal Assistant Cindi Malcom. He also acknowledged the support provided to the victim by A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center and SANE, Inc.

DA McGinley specifically thanked lead Detective Kyle Tesky and DA Chief Investigator Whire for their dedicated work on the case, which included traveling to New Jersey as part of their investigation, highlighting the commitment of the District Attorney’s Office and the Covington Police Department to securing justice for victims, especially children. The Woolwich Township Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office in New Jersey also provided valuable assistance.